Parabolic Slalom Water-Skis that Rock
Parabolic-shaped slalom skis prove that wider and curvier is sometimes better.
July 21, 2001
The Radius features an aluminum fin with wing, and a "super-V" bottom design allows the ski to easily roll onto edge for charging the wake.(Photo HO Sports)
In the early 1990s, a significant development changed the world of recreational slalom skis forever. They got, in a word, big. Very big. It all started with the legendary Pat Connelly, and his radically different Big Easy.
A "mega-slalom" by the standards of the time, Connelly's Big Easy featured a wide body designed to offer easy starts. The ski's wide profile also made it smoother to turn and less fatiguing to ride. Connelly's Big Easy opened the doors to a wider audience than ever before, while in the process invited a few of the older, "not-in-the-shape-I-used-to-be" crowd back into the fold.
While the Big Easy proved to be a relatively big turning point in the evolution of the modern slalom ski, recent years have seen manufacturers shrinking the designs back down a bit, attempting to bridge the gap between the easy-to-use "big" skis and the performance-orientated slalom skis. The result has been an explosion of the parabolic-shaped ski market. These skis feature wide tips for easy starts and quicker planing, combined with narrow "waists" to enhance their carving ability.
The designs are still easy for both beginners and larger riders; there's a wide forebody to displace water at the start, and plenty of stability once up and running. These shapes also don't require as strong a tow boat as well — even many PWC can haul up a solo rider atop a parabolic slalom. Their wider designs don't require as fast a towing speed, either, as the shapes are both stable and responsive at speeds less than 34 mph, making them perfect for the general skiing population. Come performance time, however, their narrow mid-sections ensure that an experienced skier can push the performance envelope as well, carving with the aggression of a top-of-the-line slalom.
Looking to add a new slalom to your ski quiver, feeling a little old for your present slim ski, or just ready to try ditching that tired combo set? Here are five big guns ready for any challenge.
Connelly Mid SX
The Apex features a progressive bevel design that flattens toward the tip for stability. (Photo courtesy KD Skis)
Connelly boasts the Mid SX is the best-selling shaped ski in America. It's easy to see why. It's super sidecut shape allows for quick edge changes to please the accomplished skier, but can also carve a recreational turn with ease. The wide tip and tail design make starts a cinch, and allow skiers to stay stable at lower speeds, while Connelly's CTS (Connelly Tracking System) bottom design keeps you on track. The ski is available with a variety of boot options, and features an aluminum drop-through fin.
And then there's Connelly's guarantee: if the Mid SX doesn't make your skiing more fun, they'll apply the price towards any other Connelly slalom. Sweet.
Sizes: 450 square inches, 500 square inches
www.connellyskis.com
HO Radius
The Radius comes in three sizes. (Photo courtesy HO Sports)
With three sizes divided by rider weight, the Radius series is fun for the whole crew. Their stance is neutral to slightly back, making them an easy transition for the beginning slalom enthusiast, and HO offers a variety of boot options; tailor the ski in for yourself, or go with a more versatile boot to accommodate family and friends. The Radius features an aluminum fin with wing, and a "super-V" bottom design allows the ski to easily roll onto edge for charging the wake.
Sizes: 1S (up to 150 pounds), 2S (up to 210 pounds), 3S (up to 270 pounds)
www.hosports.com
ICONN Power Carv
Pat Connelly designed the original, then left Connelly to form ICONN. Now, his company's Power Carv series is carrying the shaped-ski torch. The Power Carv's hourglass shape allows the ski to roll easily into turns, while the tapered tail design is designed to release water pressure to make turn completion a snap. Another advantage of the wide tip? It makes the ski more forgiving should the rider get their weight out over the front of the ski. The Power Carv is available in three sizes; you can choose just the blank slalom, or add any combination of ICONN's binding alternatives.
Size Range: 65 inches (smaller-framed skiers), 67 inches (majority of skiers), 69 inches (larger-framed skiers, 200 pounds and above)
www.iconnsports.com
O'Brien Virage
A traditional sidecut still enables the Virage to roll easily onto its edge for deep slalom carves (Photo courtesy O'Brien)
Sporting the classic "spoon-shaped" tip, O'Brien's 65' Virage is designed to accommodate the whole family thanks to its wide profile. But for all its girth, a traditional sidecut still allows the ski to roll easily onto its edge to initiate those classic slalom carves. The Virage also features a more recreationally friendly flex pattern. It delivers up a less demanding ride, and further contributes to the ski's user-friendly appeal. Three varieties of adjustable bindings are available; from a one-piece plate, to the traditional front boot and separate rear pocket.
Size Range: 65 inches
www.obrien.com
KD Apex
A wide-body slalom designed to offer beginners a simple introduction to slalom, the Apex will also good skiers to "rediscover the feel of an effortlessly clean carve." Sounds good to us. The Apex features a progressive bevel design that flattens toward the tip for stability; a parabolic sidecut and rounded tail area make turn initiation simple and precise. Underneath you'll find a concave tunnel design that's great in rough water and stable crossing the wake. You'll also find an adjustable aluminum fin. Like the other wide-bodies, a wide forebody also makes deep water starts relatively painless.
Size Range: 66 inches, 69 inches
www.kdskis.com
